The third son of Scottish architect William Adam became best known as the
partner of his brother Robert, who was one of the most important architects in
England in the second half of the eighteenth century and a leading international
figure in the neoclassical movement in Europe. Pursuant to their gaining
knowledge of the "spirit of antiquity" both brothers had undertaken extensive
stays in Rome and had been guided by the French architect Charles Louis
Clerisseau, a pensionnaire at the French Academy in Rome. It was during James's
tenure in Rome, 1760-1763, that this drawing, replete with Crown of Britain and
other symbols of the Empire, was made as part of his project for the Houses of
Parliament. Although he had little chance of winning the commission, James
dedicated the design to the Earl of Bute, a close friend of the King.